Description
Book SynopsisSophocles' great masterpiece, Oedipus the King, is here translated into highly-polished English verse alongside an introduction and notes to the translation which seek to make his achievements in both plot and language accessible to students at graduate, undergraduate, and secondary school level.
Trade ReviewKovacs, as is evident from his self-citation, focuses heavily on the religious context to Oedipus. The use of the introduction to lay out important background for novice readers, while simultaneously reflecting recent developments in scholarship is another elegant characteristic... * Cressida Ryan, Classical Review *
Kovacs' lively verse translation, with introduction and notes, of this seminal play, will be of value to students and lay readers alike. * Michael Halleran, William & Mary, Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Table of ContentsIntroduction 1. Sophocles and the great age of Athenian tragedy 1a. What we know of Sophocles' life 1b. How to avoid turning Sophocles into the wrong kind of classic 2. The conditions of tragic performance in the fifth century BC 3. The divine dimension: on not misunderstanding Sophocles' Oedipus the King 3a. The role of Apollo in what happens before the play opens 3b. Apollo at work within the play 3c. Some general considerations in favour of an active Apollo 3d. How much pure coincidence is there in Oedipus the Kinga 3e. What was Apollo's reason for ruining Oedipusa 3f. Justifying the ways of God to man 4. A further source of confusion: Sophocles' manipulation of the plot 5. The ending 5a. The scene with the daughters 5b. Why is Oedipus made to re-enter the palacea 6. The translation: its aims and methods 7. The Greek text: departures from Lloyd-Jones and Wilson, Sophoclis Fabulae (second impression, Oxford 1992) Works cited OEDIPUS THE KING, a verse translation Notes to the translation Endmatter Suggestions for further reading Index
